Polar Bears Greet 2010 With Coney Island Dip

Decked in swimsuits, swim trunks, bikinis and costumes, about a thousand folks joined the Coney Island Polar Bear Swim Club for its annual New Year's Day swim in the Atlantic Ocean. The group's president told the Daily News it was their biggest turnout ever, thanks to a water temperature of 44 degrees.

One participant proclaimed, "The cold water definitely cures a hangover. This event brings out all the nut cases in the city to come together and strip down. Where else can you wear a bikini, a Russian fur hat and a leopard print bathrobe and run into freezing water with a screaming crowd? I love it."

The group raises money for Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses; yesterday's event raised $25,000.

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By Jen Chung in Arts and Events on January 2, 2010 3:34 PM

Comments [rss]

yogurt18

wow-someone's bitter. when was the last time you did anything for charity? oops, probably never.

cucarachita

jeez, guys, they raised 25 grand for a camp for kids with serious illnesses. Why trash it?

adam11

and the award, for most awkward edit..

whitecastlerock

yeah let's wear cool cut off jeans when we take a dip in the cold water-then let's smear body paint all over ourselves! Where is the the H1N1 virus when you need it?????

BklynsFinest

yeh once upon a new york time it was only the domain of chubby russian bears.

longacre

I don't remember so many stupid mermaid-parade-wannabe costumes in photos from previous years. Will the reach of the hipsters never end?

nataliepo

the polar bear plunge predates hipsters, though. it serves as a good excuse for friends of all ages and types to get together, wear silly costumes and do something memorable. i did it a few years ago...there's nothing else like it!